Norway’s King Harald V has joined heads of state around the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88 on Monday. The pope died exactly two months after King Harald also turned 88, on February 21.
The monarch sent official condolences on behalf of the Norwegian state to the Dean of the College of Cardinals at the Vatican. “I was deeply saddened to learn that his Holiness Pope Francis has passed away,” wrote King Harald. “On behalf of myself and the people of Norway, I send you my deepfelt condolences.”
King Harald wrote that Pope Francis “was highly respected and loved for being a passionate and clear voice for the most vulnerable in society.” The Norwegian king added that “my sympathy is with all Catholics in Norway and around the world on this sad occasion.”
NewsinEnglish.no staff